Casimir the Restorer

Casimir the Restorer (1016-1058) failed to take full control of the country which had slipped towards anarchy after the death of Mieszko II, and in 1037 was exiled by the rebellious nobles. Soon after, Prince Bretislav of Bohemia invaded Poland, sacked Poznan and Gniezno, stole the relics of Adalbert, the patron saint of Poland, and then captured Silesia. In these dramatic circumstances, Casimir's return encountered no opposition from the local nobles, and the prince proceeded to reconstruct the state and restore its economy and civilization. He regained Silesia and incorporated Mazovia. Since Great Poland and its oldest towns, Poznan and Gniezno, were in ruins, he moved his capital to Cracow. [art]